Maryland (Baltimore area):
Recommendation from a forum post: Pars Auto is a repair shop on Joppa Road, I-695 Lock Raven exit.

The owner’s name is Hans, 18 years experience as a MB mechanic before starting his own shop. Hans specializes in MB cars 1995 and earlier.

Pars Auto Service Inc
1766 East Joppa Road
Parkville, MD 21234
Ph: 410-668-1393

Please, if anyone out there knows of an honest repair shop in Houston, Texas, email me their information. I just requested a quote from Just Brake, for a brake job on a ‘01 E320 and the guy wanted to charge $30.00 per sensors(a $3.00 value at the dealership.) Lesson of the Day: always research the cost before approving any work to be done. Just because you drive a MB, does not mean you have money to burn.

Al,

I got this recommendation from a MBCA member:
Euro Wheel
5828 Star Lane
Houston, TX 77057
713-278-9655

Great service, at great rates.

If you want more info, let me know.

I’m thinking about buying a 1991 300se w/ 171k. The front struts are noisy and the auto trans leaks somewhat. Other than that a very nice car. Any ideas on what these repairs are likely to cost? Thanks for you input.

Jeff,

The repair cost will depend on the cause of the noise and the leak. It is hard to say what an average cost is until you determine exactly what is wrong (i.e., pan gasket leak verses a seal, etc.).

Before going any further with the car, have a local mechanic go over the car and provide a quote for the repairs. If you need a mechanic recommendation, let us know where the car is located and we’ll see if someone in our network knows a good mechanic (if you don’t have one in mind already).

I just bought a 1999 E320 That is in excellent condition with only 53,900 miles. However, the passanger side Power Mirror is damaged and needs to be replaced.
MB of Sugar Land wants over $600.00 for the mirror, while online I can find it for $220.00. I would like to find an honest body repair shop in Housotn that may let me buy the part and will pay just for the labor.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Ernesto,

Try this guy in Houston.

I got this recommendation from a MBCA member:
Euro Wheel
5828 Star Lane
Houston, TX 77057
713-278-9655

Great service, at great rates.

If you want more info, let me know.

I have a 1973 mercedes 450 slc, 155,000 miles, poor condition (not running), as part of an estate…body condition quite good, interior leather rather poor as not driven for about 4 years. Will need to be towed. Buy or repair???

Bob,

Where are you located? I have a 1972 350/450SL and I know a few people with the 1973.

I have a 1998 SLK 230 in excellent condition, seems like the skin on dashboard is peeling off, has any else experienced this and what did you all do, please share your episode.

Thanx.

Taashi,

I haven’t heard that one yet. Where are you located? Let me know and we’ll see if we can help.
- Greg

Hey guys. I have a 1984 300TD. I love the car. However, I have a few minor problems, mostly cosmetic. Dash leather is cracked; is there a simple to fill cracks and refinish?
Also, some jerk broke off my emblem on the front of the hood, Is this a simple repair; i.e. junk yard replacement?
Has a significant rust spot on body at front,just left of the radiator. Is this a do-it- yourself possibility?
Otherwise, the car is almost exquisite. Only one previous owner; everything works,

I am looking for a reliable, good Mercedes Benz repair shop in the Washington DC area- preferably in
Maryland (Montgomery, Prince George’s Anne Arundel or Calvert County) All of a sudden I’m experiencing alot of weird things…no radio, truck opens when in park, wipers stop if the car stops ect. !!! Any recomendations?

Laurie,

There are several excellent repair shops in the Metro DC area. Go to http://www.gws-mbca.org and contact any of the clubs board members - I know the pres, Bill Hopper, will help you. Tell them I said you should contact them (Greg Magnus, I’m the Regional Director for the Mercedes-Benz Club of Am., Mid-Atlantic Region).

Is the car still available? I might be interested if it’s in the Houston area.

Does anyone know the best Mercedes body shop in the washington DC metropolitan area? I don’t want to take my CLK to some cheap auto body shop. Thank you.

There are several excellent repair shops in the Metro DC area. Go to http://www.gws-mbca.org and contact any of the clubs board members - I know the pres, Bill Hopper, will help you. Tell them I said you should contact them (Greg Magnus, I’m the Regional Director for the Mercedes-Benz Club of Am., Mid-Atlantic Region).

Greg
I live in Arnold MD and just bouight a 1988 560 SL

car is in VG condition but I too am looking for a good, reliable MB mechanic in the Annapolis area.

Any ideas

John,

The past-pres for the Greater Washington Section of MBCA recommends Rick Ellinger (owner) at:

RC Imports
100 England Terrace
Rockville, MD 20850

Phone: 301-762-4205

I found out there was another MB shop in Annapolis that people were recommending but it closed. I’m sure there are others but for now all we have is RC Imports in Rockville.

Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about SLs: http://www.slmarket.com/slexperience/

I have a 1992 Mercedes Benz 300E 4Matic. The car hit a cement wall going 105mph it was at an angle so most of the damage is front corner all the way to the trunk. I got an estimate from a local body shop for $14,523. I am really picky when it comes to body work, more like a perfectionist. I live in Idaho and there are’nt anybody shops that meet my standards for repairing Mercedes. It may take a while to get the money but I am willing to take the car out of state. Does anyone know a GOOD body shop

Daniel,

Thanks for stopping by the blog. There is a list of contacts for the Mercedes-Benz Club in Idaho at their website (below). Try calling or emailing the section officers. They should be able to direct you to a good body shop within a reasonable distance or give you additional names to contact.

Idaho Mercedes-Benz Club Contacts at website: http://www.idahobenzclub.org/

I hope this helps! If not, let me know.

Warm Regards,
Greg Magnus
AMG Mercedes-Benz Enthusiasts
http://www.amgmarket.com

I have put my 1979 450SL in a body shop in Baltimore back in March 2002 to be refurbished. The car was in good condition, running fine. I wanted the rust to be taken care of and repaint the car. The guy is in various stages of refurbishing the car and is not progressing. I want to take the car (which is in pieces) out of his shop and find someone who can finish the job. Can you please recommend some companies in the North Baltimore, Maryland region?

In addition, I need some advice on what I can expect mechanically now that the car has been sitting for over 5.5 years. I have contacted a lawyer and he wants me to find an expert that can testify concerning the impact to the mechanical condition of this car that has not been run for such a long time.

I have put my 1979 450SL in a body shop in Baltimore Maryland back in March 2002 to be refurbished. The car was in good condition, running fine. I wanted the rust to be taken care of and repaint the car. The guy is in various stages of refurbishing the car and is not progressing. I want to take the car (which is in pieces) out of his shop and find someone who can finish the job. Can you please recommend some companies in the North Baltimore region?

In addition, I need some advice on what I can expect mechanically now that the car has been sitting for over 5.5 years. I have contacted a lawyer and he wants me to find an expert mechanic that can testify in court concerning the impact to the mechanical condition of this car that has not been run for such a long time. Ideally, it would be great if this expert can handle the mechancal issue and what it would take to finish the refurbment of the car.

I second the motion on Euro Wheel. Their alignments are very well done and accurate. Pricing very resonable. There address has changed to th 5900 block of Start Lane. Also, check out Rick’s Car Care across the street from Euro Wheel. Highly recommended!!!

I have a 1997 E300, Diesel with intermittent malfunction indications, ( hours to weeks) apart. The ABS malfunction
causes the tranny to shift to first gear and speed is reduced accordingly. The driver must stop remove key from ignition ,hit reset button and then …………… it may reset;
maybe immedieatly or at times up to 4 hours. The local dealer, after several thousand $ wants $2000 more to install a new computer, with no guarantee. Any ideas ?

Ray,

A friend and colleague, Chuck Landenberger, had a similar problem with one of his MBs. He moderates the MBCA forum. I’ll ask Chuck if he has any suggestions for you.

Also, there is a “Technical Help” section on the MBCA forum moderated by George Murphy. He knows just about everything about these cars.

Ray,
My problem was w/the gas actuator on a 500E. Not a diesel. Caused it to go into “limp home” mode, but reset if turned off then restarted. Where are you located? Do you know of a dependable/honest independent shop? Get someone to do a read out of what codes have been thrown by the computer. It should give some indication of the problem.

Take care and good luck.

Chuck

I own a 2004 SL55 and the engine had to be replaced last year under warranty. Since then the engine warning light comes on erratically. The Merc garage has tried to fix this at least 6 times, but without success. Can you advise what to do or offer contacts that may help. Thanks

David,

Is the “Merc garage” a dealer? If so, ask to speak with the regional rep, which should be interested in helping you. If you can’t get the info for the regional rep from the dealership, contact MBUSA directly here.

G D & SONS LIMITED we specialize in crash repairs and body work, we have a new modern workshop with over 6000 sq. ft., secure parking facility, ICI water base paint system, a brand new spray booth to ensure top quality painting on all our vehicles, etc. We are a member of VBRA Approved Garage and we have experience - MET, PANEL, PAINT technicians to give high quality finish.
Thank you, Sebrina

I have a 1997 E 320 and quite a few cosmetic issues would love to find someone in the Maryland area who can spruce my car up again. I have had this car since 98 and love it. I have always kept it serviced to ensure it lasts a long time but now cosmetically, it is wearing out. i.e., right side mirror casing isn’t secure…and I would really like not to replace the whole thing since it will cost over $600, the rear emblem has broken off and the center console cup holder is completely broken. I am now embarrassed to drive it but can’t afford to pay a ransom to repair it. Any suggestions?
Thx, Teri

Teri,

Try joining the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA). Then attend a meeting and ask the local MB owners where they go for such repairs. MBCA members also receive discounts on parts from local dealers.

The MBCA Greater Washington Secton (GWS) often has tech sessions that you can attend - members help each other fix things during tech sessions: Join MBCA here. Feel free to use my name (Greg Magnus) as your sponsor.

Another great source for inexpensive parts is Potomac German Auto (MB auto recyclers since 1979), Potomac German Auto, Auto Recyclers - used Mercedes-Benz parts:
http://www.mbpartsonline.com

A honest and respected M-B shop is Pulliam Engineering. Its in the Silver Spring area and they are factory trained.

PULLIAM ENGINEERING 301-384-9094 144 Bonifant Road Silver Spring, MD 20905